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TEMPE, Ariz. - Commissioner Bud Selig said Friday he would like baseball to institute a "zero-tolerance" drug policy similar to the program used in the minor leagues.
Unlike major-leaguers, who are subject to one random test during the season and one follow-up within 5-7 days, minor-leaguers are subject to two random tests a year, to be conducted during the season or offseason.
They are tested for steroids and drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and marijuana. Major-leaguers are not tested for drugs of abuse unless there is reasonable cause.
"We instituted the drug policy in the minor leagues. It is stringent, and it has been successful. And that's the objective we have," Selig said. "That's where I want our sport to be."
Getting there is another issue. Unlike the minor-league program, which was put into place in 2001, any changes in the big-league drug policy must be approved by the union.
Asked if he planned to invoke his "best-interest-of-the-game" powers to circumvent the union, Selig said: "I'm not going to get into all the solutions. It's highly technical."
ANGELS: Centerfielder Garret Anderson sat with a strained right biceps tendon. He did not practice Thursday, but the injury isn't considered serious.
ASTROS: Roy Oswalt pitched two perfect innings without discomfort in his first action since offseason groin surgery. He allowed one hit and faced the minimum on 18 pitches. His appearance went so quickly, he threw on the side to get in his scheduled allotment of pitches.
DODGERS: Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax ended his yearlong boycott. Koufax turned away from the team last spring, protesting against the Dodgers' former parent company, News Corp., after a report in the New York Post, a News Corp. subsidiary, intimated he was a homosexual. The team has been sold since.
GIANTS: Ace Jason Schmidt was hit hard in his first outing since offseason elbow surgery but said he felt good. Michael Barrett's two-run triple keyed a four-run second against Schmidt, who had arthroscopic surgery on his pitching elbow in October. Schmidt allowed four runs and five hits after a perfect first.
Also, the option on manager Felipe Alou's contract for 2005 was picked up, and general manager Brian Sabean signed an extension through next season.
MARLINS: Pitcher A.J. Burnett had stiffness in his elbow and will skip today's throwing session. He had ligament replacement surgery in April and will rest for a few more days before throwing next week.
ORIOLES: Centerfielder Luis Matos will sit for 7-10 days to rest shin splints in his right leg. Also, outfielder Marty Cordova (right elbow surgery) will not be ready for the season opener.
RANGERS: Rightfielder Kevin Mench was hit by pitches twice, on his left forearm and left pinkie, but said he was fine. He broke his left wrist and had surgery after being hit by a pitch in July. Also, centerfielder Laynce Nix was scratched because of the flu.
REDS: Former owner Marge Schott and outfielder Dernell Stenson were honored with a moment of silence before the game. Schott died Tuesday, and Stenson was killed in Arizona in November. Also, third baseman Brandon Larson was scratched because of an eye infection.
ROYALS: First baseman Mike Sweeney was scratched after his wife went into labor.
TIGERS: Centerfielder Alex Sanches was hit by a pitch just above his right elbow, but manager Alan Trammell said he expects him to be out just a few days.
TWINS: Centerfielder Torii Hunter sprained his left wrist colliding with the wall while trying to prevent a home run. He will be re-evaluated today, but the injury is not considered serious.
WHITE SOX: Shingo Takatsu, Japan's career saves leader, blew his first opportunity. Arizona's Doug Devore tied it with a single, but with the bases loaded and one out, Takatsu got a fielder's choice at home then struck out Andy Green.